About:
The Thief of Auschwitz by Jon Clinch is a fictional book telling of a family’s struggle to survive. Mr. Clinch’s previous books, Finn and Kings of the Earth won awards and commendation from around the country.
The publisher is giving away one copy to two winners of this book –to enter fill out the Rafflecoptter form at the end of the post.
My rating for The Thief of Auschwitz – 5
Buy this book in paper or in electronic format*
More Recommended World War II books on Man of la BookStore
Thoughts:
The Thief of Auschwitz by Jon Clinch (website | Facebook | @jonclinch) is a fascinating and well written book. Even though short, Mr. Clinch is an excellent storyteller presenting a beautiful story and tight page-turner.
The story portrays a Jewish family trying to stay sane in a world gone mad. The family is trying to salvage a bit of civility wherever they can in a place that could on be described as hell on earth.
The story doesn’t have many twists, but several convenient plot points which, although a bit too convenient are central to the story. Usually I’m not a big fan of “all too convenient” coincidences but I’ve read enough about World War II to know that stranger things have happened in real life, so why not in fiction?
Mr. Clinch wrote an elegant and poignant story which runs the gamete of emotions from despair to hope. I found myself caring about these characters, took solace from their strength and inspiration from their actions. Most important the book shows the true cost of the Holocaust, not only in terms of human life, but in term of culture. The artists who will never paint, the writers who will never write and yes, even the barbers who will never pamper their clients again.
Related Reads:
Auschwitz by Dr. Miklós Nyiszli
Displaced Persons by Ghita Schwarz
The Polski Affair by Leon H. Gildin
Synopsis:
The story is told in flashbacks of Max Rosen, an artist, octogenarian, Holocaust survivor and son of Eidel and Jacob who perished in Auschwitz. In his story Max remembers his parents, their tremendous struggle to survive in the concentration camp and all they gave up so he could live.
Jacob, a barber by trade, is assigned to cut the Nazis hair and fantasize about slashing the commandant’s throat. Eidel, an accomplished artist, goes once a week to paint the commandant’s family who lives in relative luxury compared to her existence.
Buy this book in paper or in electronic format*
More Recommended World War II books on Man of la BookStore
Congratulations: clenna@, carlscott@
Zohar — Man of la Book
Disclaimer: I got this book for free.
*Amazon links point to an affiliate account
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View Comments
Wow, sounds like a powerful tale. I love reading anything having to do with WWII history. Thanks for reviewing it, Z.
Jonathan
http://www.ireadabookonce.com
Same here Jonathan, love WWII books.
It is a shame that this is only open to the USA. I understand that for the paper format but do not understand why this has to be so for the ebook format. That said it does sound like an interesting tale.
Thanks for the comment.
The number of books, format and geography are established by the publisher.
Usually it has to do with the marketing plan (for example: the US release).
I've seen this book around, and it does look interesting!
I just downloaded this book, can't wait to read it. Honestly I did not care for Finn, but I couldn't pass up this book. Thanks for reviewing.
Looking forward to your post about the book April.